Rouge is the cosmetic many women reach for when they are looking to add a little color and personality to their makeup look.
The History of Rouge

Rouge, like most cosmetics, is thought to have originated in or around ancient Egypt. Many passages of the Old Testament mention women wearing makeup, and it is believed that everything from foundation to eyeliner and blush to lipstick were all invented and worn by these ancient fashionistas.

When rouge first came about, it was applied to not only the cheekbones as it is today, but to the mouth as a form of lipstick. In certain cultures and periods of time, it was not uncommon to see men wearing a little blusher as well. In fact, you would have been hard pressed to find men without it during certain periods of English history.

On the flip side, wearing makeup in Victorian days was associated with an immoral nature, so women would pinch their cheeks constantly to make them appear red. This is something that should never be done today however, since broken capillaries and blemish breakouts can occur.

What's this Stuff Made Out Of?

Blushing products have enjoyed a lot of different forms over the years, and pretty much anything that will "stain" the face has been tried. In ancient Greece, mulberries were used. Other parts of the ancient world used strawberries and beet juice to obtain a healthy glow.

Getting a little more modern, the rouge most commonly used today is a talcum powder that has been dyed red. The dye is usually made out of safflower, but it can also be carmine and rosewater. Cream based or liquid blush is made with cold cream and special dyes.

Most Unpopular

Until the 18th century, a lot of western cultures tabooed the use of rouge or other makeup with extreme color. Pale, ghost-white skin was all the rage for centuries, and this was based upon a belief that having pigmented skin meant that you spent a great deal of time working outdoors.

This belief shifted slightly during the 18th century, when men, women, and children all used rouge to rosy up their cheeks and look a little more healthy and vibrant. The main downside of this time was the makeup they used often contained lead, mercury, and other ingredients that led to physical damages one would rather live without.

In the 1920s, cosmetics finally became safer, since before this time doctors had ceased to be involved with the formulations and patents. With safer cosmetics also came along the trend to have rosier or darker skin. While pale skin once signified your wealth, now tan skin signified you were wealthy enough to go outside and play! Privileged people now wanted a look of color, and blush is often where they found it.

Modern Day Choices

The next time you take advantage of how easy it is to go to the drugstore, purchase the cosmetics you need, and simply apply, take a moment to remember just how good you have it. Women of the 19th century often had to formulate their own makeup, and some of the ingredients were inconvenient and unsafe.

For example, a 19th century woman would have used this recipe for blush from VintageConnection.net:

2 pints vinegar
3 oz. Isinglass
2 oz nutmeg
6 oz honey
Pinch of red sandalwood.
Place it over a slow fire for a half-hour, don't boil, but thoroughly heat it. Strain and let cool. Before using it remove all dust and grease from the face by washing.

Sounds like a lot of work compared to the blush you throw on while sitting in rush hour traffic, doesn't it? Women really worked hard for that bashful glow, and it was something really valued as being important when it came to cosmetics and fashion.

But where can we go today for the best rouge around? Clinique's Blushing Blush Powder is the perfect first rouge for anyone who is a little nervous. Their light powder formula makes mistakes easy to correct, and with a reasonable price and great array of colors to choose from, blush has never been simpler.

Jane Iredale also is a great pick for those looking for powder blushes. A huge selection of colors allows you to apply dry to your cheeks, however add water and it doubles as a lip liner as well. This is a great trick for anyone on a budget and can save you money, time, and purse space.

If you are looking for a liquid based glow, check out Amore with their Laneige Liquid Rouge. Amore gives you a sharper, more dramatic look, and with fun names for their colors and a long lasting formula, you are sure to love it.

In the Spotlight

Rouge is also popularly worn in stage productions and with any kind of performer, especially cultural dancers. The stage is notorious for paling the skin with its glaring lights, and so a little blush goes a long way in the performing arts.

Whether your stage is in a theatre or nothing more than a job or school, rouge can enhance your look and leave you feeling more gorgeous in no time. Use it to bring a little romance into that special night, and a little burst of sunshine into your day. There is blusher out there perfect for everyone, so go on and give it a try.